Cooking fire blamed for death near IUPUI

A homeless man was cooking in a tent when he set himself on fire and died Thursday night near IUPUI, police said.

Homicide detectives were called to the area of New York and Limestone streets on the west side of the IUPUI campus, where the victim had reportedly been on fire, according to IMPD Officer Aaron Hamer.

IMPD later tweeted that preliminary investigation revealed the death may have been accidental.

Police believe the man was cooking when he accidentally set fire to a tent and himself. Maj. Richard Riddle said a propane tank on the stove exploded.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.